Vehicle restraining device

ABSTRACT

A vehicle restraint apparatus is for restraining a vehicle  1  on one or more rollers  7  of a vehicle test system. The vehicle restraint apparatus  11  includes a pair of vehicle restraining jigs whose first ends are joined with left and right seatbelt fixing pillars  2  of the vehicle  1 , respectively, and whose second ends are joined with left and right poles  10  on a floor, respectively.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a vehicle restraint apparatus orvehicle restraining device for restraining or binding a vehicle in avehicle test system such as a chassis dynamometer performing tests forfuel consumption, exhaust gases etc. of the vehicle mounted on one ormore rollers.

BACKGROUND ART

A vehicle restraining apparatus of a type as shown in FIG. 33 isarranged to restrain a vehicle 102 having tires 102 a on rollers 106 ofchassis dynamometer 105 by using chains or wire ropes 101 so that firstends 101 a of wire ropes 101 are connected with vehicle 102 and secondor opposite ends 101 b of wire ropes 10 a are connected with poles 104installed on a floor 103 (Patent documents 1, 2, for example).

Moreover, a vehicle restraining device 112 as shown in FIGS. 34(A) and34(B) is under development. This vehicle restraining device 112 isarranged to slide along a rail 111, and to restrain a vehicle 116 witharm 114 which is supported by a arm support portion 113 of the vehiclerestraining device 112, and which extends to a forward end portionprovided with an adapter 115 fit in an adapter receiving portion 118formed in a chassis 117 of the vehicle 116 to connect and restrain thevehicle (Patent Document 3, for example).

In a vehicle running on an actual road, the vertical load applied toeach tire varies in dependence on the acceleration/deceleration. In thecase of the chassis dynamometer, by contrast, each degree of freedom ofthe vehicle is restrained and hence the vertical loads vary differentlyfrom the running condition on the actual road.

Between the running motion on the actual road and the running motion onthe chassis dynamometer, the difference in the vehicle pitching motioncauses a difference in the application of vertical loads, and exertsinfluence on the results of a test. Since the accuracy of the vehicleperformance test is adversely influenced by the difference in changes inthe vertical loads, it is required to reproduce the behavior of vehiclepitching motion.

In the case of the vehicle restraining apparatus using the chains orwire ropes 101 as shown in FIG. 33, the tires 102 a of vehicle 102 arepressed on the rollers 106 by the chains or wire ropes 101, andtherefore, the reproduction of the behavior of vehicle pitching motionis difficult.

The vehicle restraining apparatus of Patent document 3 is arranged torestrain the vehicle with the vehicle restraining device 112 which ismovable on the rail 111 and which includes the adapter 115 inserted inthe adapter receiving portion 118 formed in the chassis 117 of vehicle116. Therefore, the reproduction of the vehicle pitching behavior iseasier because the tires are not pressed on the rollers by the chains orwire ropes 101 as in Patent Documents 1 and 2. However, the vehiclerestraining apparatus of Patent Document 3 encounters the followingproblems.

(1) The adapter receiving portion is generally formed in a side sill inthe bottom of the vehicle, so that the application is difficult tovehicles having no side sills. For vehicles having no side sills, it isrequired to fix an attachment formed with the adapter receiving portion,to the bottom of the vehicle.

(2) The adapter receiving portion is required to be rigid enough forsafety aspect. However, the side sills are not always rigid enough inthe whole of the vehicle.

(3) The positions of side sills are away from the center of gravity ofthe vehicle, and the center of gravity of the vehicle is not restrained.Therefore, the vehicle pitching motion is varied differently from theactual behavior on the road.

The present invention has been devised to solve these problems.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: JPH10-307082A-   Patent Document 2: JP2007-212154A-   Patent Document 3: JP2011-033517A (cf. paragraph [0002]˜paragraph    [0005] and FIGS. 6 and 7)-   Patent Document 4: JPH01-279131A-   Patent Document 5: JPH10-67376A-   Patent Document 6: JPS64-83743A-   Patent Document 7: JP2001-80583A-   Patent Document 8: JPH02-118849U-   Patent Document 9: JPH01-167642U

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, a vehicle restraint apparatus torestrain a vehicle on one or more rollers of a vehicle test system ortest equipment, comprises a pair of vehicle restraining jigs whose oneends are linked or joined with left and right seatbelt fixing pillars ofthe vehicle and whose other ends are linked or joined with left andright poles on a floor.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a vehiclerestraint apparatus for restraining a vehicle on at least one roller ofa vehicle test system, comprises:

a left vehicle restraining jig extending longitudinally from a first(front) end to a second (rear) end and including the first end which isadapted to be connected with a left seatbelt fixing pillar of thevehicle for holding a seatbelt of the vehicle, and the second end whichis adapted to be secured by an external left anchor device (such as apole 10 or a vehicle outside anchor device 83) disposed outside thevehicle, and

a right vehicle restraining jig extending longitudinally from a first(front) end to a second (rear) end and including the first end which isadapted to be connected with a right seatbelt fixing pillar of thevehicle for holding a seatbelt of the vehicle and the second end whichis adapted to be secured by an external right anchor device (such as apole 10 or a vehicle outside anchor device 83) disposed outside thevehicle.

According to the present invention, the one ends of vehicle restrainingjigs are connected with the vehicle's seatbelt fixing pillars which arerequired to be rigid enough due to the nature of the pillars for holdingthe seatbelts. Therefore, it is possible to reproduce the vehiclepitching behavior and to restrain the vehicle reliably and firmly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1(A) is a schematic side view showing seatbelt fixing pillars of avehicle, FIG. 1(B) is a schematic plan view showing the pillars, andFIG. 1(C) is an enlarged view showing a main portion of one of thepillars.

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view of avehicle restraint apparatus according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention, provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 3(A), 3(B) and 3(C) are views for illustrating one example of amode of attaching the vehicle restraining jigs to the seatbelt fixingpillars in the first embodiment.

FIGS. 4(A) and 4(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view of avehicle restraint apparatus according to a second embodiment of thepresent invention, provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 5(A) and 5(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view of avehicle restraint apparatus according to a third embodiment of thepresent invention, provided with a test vehicle.

FIG. 6 is a side view of a first link mechanism according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the first link mechanism according to the thirdembodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a shaft portion of the first linkmechanism according to the third embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a side view showing a second link mechanism according to thethird embodiment and a length adjusting mechanism.

FIG. 10(A) is a schematic side view of a vehicle restraint apparatusaccording to a fourth embodiment, provided with a test vehicle, and FIG.10(B) is a schematic plan view of this vehicle restraint apparatus withan enlarged view of the first link mechanism.

FIG. 11 is a schematic rear view of the vehicle restraint apparatusaccording to the fourth embodiment.

FIGS. 12(A) and 12(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of thepresent invention, provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of thepresent invention, provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to a seventh embodiment of thepresent invention, provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 15(A), 15(B) and 15(C) are views for illustrating one example ofthe mode of attaching the vehicle restraining jig to the seatbelt fixingpillar in an eighth embodiment.

FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B) are schematic side view and schematic rear view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to the eighth embodiment,provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 17(A), 17(B) and 17(C) are views for illustrating one example ofthe mode of attaching the vehicle restraining jig to the seatbelt fixingpillar in the eighth embodiment.

FIGS. 18(A) and 18(B) are schematic side view and schematic rear view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to the eighth embodiment,provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 19(A), 19(B) and 19(C) are views for illustrating one example ofthe mode of attaching the vehicle restraining jig to the seatbelt fixingpillar in the eighth embodiment.

FIGS. 20(A) and 20(B) are schematic side view and schematic rear view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to the eighth embodiment,provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 21(A), 21(B) and 21(C) are views for illustrating one example ofthe mode of attaching the vehicle restraining jig to the seatbelt fixingpillar in the eighth embodiment.

FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B) are schematic side view and schematic rear view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to the eighth embodiment,provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 23(A) and 23(B) are views for illustrating one example of the modeof attaching the vehicle restraining jig to the seatbelt fixing pillarin a ninth embodiment.

FIG. 24(A) is a view illustrating the state of the vehicle restrainingjig attached to the seatbelt fixing pillar in the ninth embodiment, andFIG. 24(B) is a schematic side view of a vehicle restraint apparatusaccording to the ninth embodiment, provided with a test vehicle.

FIGS. 25(A) and 25(B) are schematic side view and schematic rear view ofa vehicle restraint apparatus according to the ninth embodiment,provided with a test vehicle.

FIG. 26 is a view illustrating the state of the vehicle restraining jigattached to the seatbelt fixing pillar in the ninth embodiment.

FIGS. 27(A) and 27(B) are schematic side view and vertical sectionalview of a deflection absorbing mechanism according to a tenthembodiment.

FIGS. 28A and 28(B) are schematic side view and vertical sectional viewof a deflection absorbing mechanism according to the tenth embodiment.

FIG. 29 is a view for illustrating the state of the deflection absorbingmechanism and a vibration damping device attached to the vehiclerestraining jig.

FIGS. 30(A) and 30(B) are schematic side views of a vibration dampingdevices according to an eleventh embodiment.

FIGS. 31(A) and 31(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view ofa lateral vibration suppressing mechanism in a vehicle restraintapparatus according to a twelfth embodiment with a test vehicle.

FIG. 32 is a schematic rear view of the lateral vibration suppressingmechanism according to the twelfth embodiment.

FIG. 33 is a view for illustrating a conventional example.

FIG. 34(A) is a perspective view showing another conventional example,and FIG. 34(B) is a sectional view showing an adapter and an adapterreceiving portion of the vehicle restraint apparatus.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Before explanation on a vehicle restraint apparatus according to thepresent invention, explanation is briefly directed to a vehicle usingthe vehicle restraint apparatus or device according to the presentinvention.

FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view of avehicle 1 using the vehicle restraint apparatus according to the presentinvention.

The vehicle 1 includes seatbelt fixing pillars 2 at the side of doors,respectively. Each seatbelt fixing pillar 2 is a pillar to which aseatbelt is attached or anchored.

As shown in FIG. 1(C), upper and lower seatbelt fixing portions 4 and 5are fastened to upper and lower end portions of the seatbelt fixingpillar 2 by a plurality of screw fasteners 3. Upper and lower ends ofthe seatbelt are attached to the upper and lower seatbelt fixingportions 4 and 5, respectively. In FIGS. 1(A) and 1(B), a referencenumeral 6 represents the position of center of gravity of the vehicle.

First Embodiment

FIGS. 2(A) and 2(B) are schematic side view and schematic plan view of avehicle 1 held by using a vehicle restraint apparatus or device 11according to a first embodiment.

The vehicle restraint apparatus 11 includes a pair of vehiclerestraining jigs or tools 12, 12 each of which includes a first endjoined with one of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars 2 of thevehicle 1 having tires 8 mounted on rollers 7 of a chassis dynamometer,and a second end joined with one of left and right poles 10 standing ona floor 9.

Vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12 are made of material having tensilestrength and compression strength required for restraining longitudinalmovement or forward/rearward movement of the vehicle, such as plate,sheet or pipe of steel or other material having a superior mechanicalstrength. Each of vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12 is provided with alength adjusting mechanism 13, such as a turnbuckle, capable ofadjusting the length of the jig in accordance with the vehicle length,at a position near one end of the jig. A tie rod 14 connecting the leftand right vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12 is provided in a centralportion in the lengthwise direction of the jigs. Tie rod 14 is providedwith a length adjusting mechanism 15, such as a turnbuckle, foradjusting the spacing between the vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12 inaccordance with the vehicle width, at a central portion in thelengthwise direction of the tie rod.

The first ends, in the lengthwise direction, of vehicle restraining jigs12, 12 are, respectively, joined rotatably to the seatbelt fixingpillars 2 through a first link mechanism 16. The second ends, in thelengthwise direction, of vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12 are,respectively, joined rotatably to the poles 10 through a second linkmechanism 17.

As shown in FIG. 2(A), the first link mechanism 16 is attached to aninside surface 2 a of the seatbelt fixing pillar 2 on each side so thata shaft 18 is located at a position in the vicinity of the vehiclecenter of gravity 6. A shaft 21 of the second link member 17 is attachedto the pole 10 on each side at a position approximately equal in heightto the vehicle center of gravity 6. The position in the vicinity of thevehicle center of gravity 6 is a position set as close as possible tothe vehicle center of gravity 6.

As shown in FIG. 3, the first link mechanism 16 includes the shafts 18,bearing members or shaft receiving members 19, respectively, supportingthe shafts 18 rotatably, and attaching member (hereinafter referred toas pillar mount member) 20 for attaching the bearing members 19 to theinside surfaces 2 a of seatbelt fixing pillars 2.

The first link mechanism 16 connects the first ends, in the lengthwisedirection, of vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12, rotatably to the insidesurfaces 2 a of seatbelt fixing pillars 2, with the shafts 18, bearingmembers 19 and pillar mount members 20.

The pillar mount members 20 are formed in the shape of a long plateconforming to the seatbelt fixing pillars 2 and attached or fixed to theinside surfaces 2 a of seatbelt fixing pillars 2 in place of theseatbelt fixing portions 4 and 5.

The second link mechanism 17 includes the shafts 21 disposed,respectively, at the second ends of the vehicle straining jigs 12 andbearing members or shaft receiving members 22. The vehicle restrainingjigs are attached to the poles 10 through the bearing members 22,respectively.

One example of the method of fixing the vehicle restraining jigs 12 tothe seatbelt fixing pillars 2 is explained with reference to FIGS. 3(A),3(B) and 3(C).

In this example, first, the first end of each of left and right vehiclerestraining jigs 12, 12 is attached to the central portion of pillarmount member 20 through the shaft 18 and the bearing member 19, as shownin FIG. 3(A). On the other hand, the seatbelt fixing portions 4, 5 areremoved from the seatbelt fixing pillar 2.

Then, as shown in FIGS. 3(B) and 3(C), the pillar mount member 20 isfastened to the inside surface 2 a of seatbelt fixing pillar 2 on eachside. This operation of fixing the pillar mount member 20 to seatbeltfixing pillar 2 is performed by superimposing threaded holes 24 ofpillar mount member 20 on threaded holes 23 of seatbelt fixing pillar 2and screwing screw fasteners 25 into the superimposed holes 23, 24. InFIG. 3(C), a reference numeral 26 represents a frame of the vehicle, areference numeral 27 represents the interior of the vehicle, and areference numeral 28 represents the exterior of the vehicle.

At the time of usage of the thus-constructed vehicle restraint apparatus11 of the first embodiment, first the vehicle 1 is mounted on therollers 7 of the chassis dynamometer as shown in FIG. 2, the first endsof vehicle restraining jigs 12 are linked with the seatbelt fixingpillars 2, respectively, through the first link mechanism 16, and theshafts 16 of first link mechanism 16 are positioned in the vicinity ofthe center of gravity 6 of the vehicle. On the other hand, the secondends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 are attached to the poles 10 throughsecond link mechanism 17, and the shafts 21 of second link mechanism 17are set at positions whose heights are substantially equal to the heightof vehicle center of gravity 6 by adjusting the heights of poles 10, sothat the vehicle restraining jigs 12 are held substantially horizontal.

Then, vehicle 1 is restrained by left and right vehicle restraining jigs12, the rollers 7 are rotated and various test of vehicle 1 areperformed.

The first ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 are connected with theseatbelt fixing pillars 2 having a high rigidity. Therefore, the vehiclerestraint apparatus can hold or restrain the vehicle firmly and securelywith the vehicle restraining jigs 12.

Furthermore, because of the structure joining the first ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 rotatably through first link mechanism 16 to theseatbelt fixing pillars 2 in the vicinity of vehicle center of gravity 6and joining the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 rotatablythrough second link mechanism 17 to the poles 10 at the heightssubstantially equal to the height of center of gravity 6, the vehicle(translational) longitudinal motion is restrained but the vehicle(rotational) pitching motion and the vehicle (translational) verticalmotion are left free. Therefore, this structure enables the realizationof vehicle behavior similar to the vertical or normal load on an actualroad. Since the vertical load applied to each tire is matched to thetraveling state including the accelerating and decelerating states, thisvehicle restraint apparatus enables the tests including test of fuelconsumption by mode operations, exhaust gas test and vehicle performancetest.

Moreover, it is possible to adjust the length of each vehiclerestraining jig 12 in dependence on the length of the vehicle 1, withthe length adjusting mechanism 13 capable of adjusting the length of thevehicle restraining jig 12.

The positions of poles 10 are adjustable in at least one of the vehiclewidth direction and the vehicle length direction. Therefore, the vehiclerestraint apparatus is applicable to vehicles of a variety of sizes, byadjusting the vehicle restraining jigs 12 in accordance with the width,length etc. of the vehicle 1.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment. In this embodiment, there is provided,between the second link mechanism 17 and poles 10 in the mode of thefirst embodiment, one or more restraining force sensors 29 which arearranged to sense a restraining force of the vehicle. The positions ofrestraining force sensors 29 are not limited to the region betweensecond link mechanism 17 and poles 10. Restraining force sensors 29 maybe provided at positions between vehicle restraining jigs 12 and secondlink mechanism 17, positions between first link mechanism 16 andseatbelt fixing pillars 2, or some other positions capable of securelysensing the restraining force of restraining vehicle 1. The vehiclerestraint apparatus 11 of this embodiment capable of sensing the vehiclerestraining force makes it possible to measure, analyze and evaluate thevehicle sprung characteristics, in addition to the effects of the firstembodiment.

Third Embodiment

FIGS. 5˜9 show a third embodiment. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.5, a first link mechanism 31 joining the first ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 rotatably with the seatbelt fixing pillars 2includes tubular shaft portions 32 to which the first ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 are, respectively, attached rotatably, and shaftsupporting arms 33 attaching the shaft portions 32 to the seatbeltfixing pillars 2, respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 6˜8, the shaft supporting arms 33 are T-shaped membersshaped like a letter T. The shaft portion 32 is provided in a second endof each shaft supporting arm 33, and a first end portion of shaftsupporting arm 33 is fastened to the seatbelt fixing pillar 2 by screwfasteners 34. The height position of each shaft supporting arm 33 isadjustable by selecting some of screw holes 35 formed in the seatbeltfixing pillar 2.

Shaft supporting arm 33 is T-shaped to shift the position of shaftportion 32 in the front and rear direction or longitudinal direction ofthe vehicle with respect to the position of seatbelt fixing pillar 2when the shaft supporting arm 33 is fixed to the seatbelt fixing pillar2, and thereby avoid interference between the shaft portion 32 and thedriver's or front passenger's seat. Therefore, the shape is not limited,and the shaft support arms 33 may be in any of various other shapescapable of restraining the interference. The shaft supporting arms 33and the shaft portions 32 may be formed to be capable of increasing anddecreasing the length to adjust the length.

Moreover, as shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 9, a second link mechanism 41connecting the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 rotatably withthe poles 10 includes shaft portions 42 provided at the second ends ofvehicle restraining jigs 12, and shaft receiving portions or bearingportions 43 which support the shaft portions 42 rotatably, and attachedto the poles 10 through brackets 44, respectively.

Each of the brackets 44 is attached to the corresponding pole 10 with aheight adjusting mechanism omitted in the figure. Therefore, the heightof second link mechanism 41 is adjustable.

A length adjusting mechanism 45 such as a turnbuckle is provided at theend portion of each of left and right vehicle restraining jigs 12 at theside of shaft receiving member 43. Length adjusting mechanism 45includes a rotary operation member 46 and bolts 47 and 48 which areconnected on the left and right sides of the rotary operation member 46and which are rotated in the opposite directions by rotating the rotaryoperation member 46, thereby to adjust the length of the vehiclerestraining jig 12 in accordance with the length of the vehicle. In theother respects, the construction is the same as the constructions of thefirst and second embodiments. Therefore, the same reference numerals aregiven to identical parts and repetitive explanation is omitted.

Following is explanation on one example of the method of using thevehicle restraint apparatus 11 according to the third embodiment.

First, the shaft supporting arm 33 of first link mechanism 31 at thefirst end of each vehicle restraining jig 12 is attached, at a desiredheight, to the seatbelt fixing pillar 2. Then, the length of shaftsupporting arm 33 and the length of shaft portion 32 are adjustedaccording to the need, to prevent interference of the shaft portion 32of first link mechanism 31 with the driver or front passenger's seat.

Next, the second end of each vehicle restraining jig 12 is attached tothe pole 10 through the second link mechanism 41 and bracket 44.

Then, the vehicle is restrained by adjusting the lengths and the widthof left and right vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12, the rollers 7 arerotated, and various tests of the vehicle 1 are performed.

The vehicle restraint apparatus 11 according to the third embodiment canenable the length adjustment and width adjustment of vehicle restrainingjigs 12 and moreover prevent interference between the shaft portions 32of first link mechanisms 31 and the driver and front passenger's seatsby setting the position of shaft portion 32 of first link mechanism 31connecting the first end of each of vehicle restraining jigs 12, 12,rotatably to the seatbelt fixing pillar 2, away from the position ofseatbelt fixing pillar 2, with the shaft supporting arm 33.

Furthermore, the second link mechanism 41 is attached to the poles 10 inthe manner allowing the up and down shift. Therefore, this embodimentcan enable the setting for holding each vehicle restraining jig 12substantially horizontal by moving the second link mechanism 41 in theup and down direction in conformity with the height of first linkmechanism 31, and enable the various test in the horizontal state of thevehicle restraining jigs. In the other respects, the construction andeffects are the same as those of the vehicle restraint apparatusaccording to the first and second embodiments, so that repetitiveexplanation is omitted.

Fourth Embodiment

FIGS. 10 and 11 show a fourth embodiment. In this embodiment, a firstlink mechanism 51 is provided in place of the first link mechanisms 16in the mode of the first embodiment.

The first link mechanism 51 includes a length-adjustable reinforcing jig52 to connect and reinforce a pair of pillar mount members 20 attached,respectively, to the inside surfaces 2 a of left and right seatbeltfixing pillars 2 in vehicle 1, and connecting jigs 53 connecting thevehicle restraining jigs 12, respectively, with portions of the firstlink mechanism near both ends of the reinforcing jig 52, rotatably in anomnidirectional manner to allow rotation in all rearward directionsrearwards on the outer side of vehicle 1.

The reinforcing jig 52 includes a cross member connecting the left andright pillar mount members 20. Reinforcing jig 52 is provided with alength adjusting mechanism 54 to adjust the length of reinforcing jig52. Reinforcing jig 52 is attached to the two pillar mount members 20 inan adjustable manner capable of adjusting the position of reinforcingjig 52 in the vehicle height direction (to a height substantially equalto the height of the vehicle gravity center 6, for example).

Each connecting jig 53 includes a pillow ball 55 fixedly mounted onreinforcing jig 52 near one end of the reinforcing jig 52, a sphericalbearing portion 56 receiving this pillow ball 55, and a joining jig 57joining this spherical bearing portion 56 to vehicle restraining jig 12.

Following is explanation on one example of the method of using thevehicle restraint apparatus 11 according to this embodiment withreference to FIGS. 10 and 11.

In the case of vehicle 1 having rear seat doors or rear side doors 121,for example, first the vehicle is set in the state in which the doors121 are removed or in the state in which the doors 121 are held open andfixed by door restraining jigs 58. Alternatively, the vehicle is set inthe state in which the driver's door and front passenger's door 120 areremoved or in the state in which the doors 120 are held open and fixedby the door restraining jigs 58.

As door restraining jigs 58, it is possible to use various restrainingjigs such as device for fixing with sucker(s). However, there is nospecific limitation, and it is possible to use known restraining jigswhich can fix doors so as to prevent contact between the rear seat doors121 and vehicle restraining jigs 12. Moreover, there is no limitation tothe positions and the number of door restraining jigs 58 as long as theobject is achieved to prevent contact between the rear seat doors 121and vehicle restraining jigs 12.

Next, the first ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 inserted intovehicle 1 obliquely from the outside on the rear side are connected,respectively, with the connecting jigs 53 of first link mechanism 51installed in vehicle 1. The vehicle restraining jig 12 connected witheach connecting jig 53 is rotatable in all directions on the rear sideoutside vehicle 1. Next, the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12are connected rotatably with the poles 10 through the second linkmechanism 17 at the positions substantially equal in height to thevehicle gravity center 6.

Next, the lengths of vehicle restraining jigs 12 are adjusted with thelength adjusting mechanisms 13, and the spacing between vehiclerestraining jigs 12 is adjusted with the length adjusting mechanism 15.Moreover, each poles 10 is adjusted at a pedestal or base 100 on thefloor to adjust the height of the pole 10, the position in the front andrear direction or longitudinal direction of vehicle 1 or the widthwisedirection of vehicle 1, and the connecting direction with respect to thevehicle restraining jig 12 suitably.

After vehicle 1 is restrained in this way, the rollers 7 of the chassisdynamometer are rotated, and various tests are performed for the vehicle1.

According to the thus-constructed vehicle restraint apparatus 11according to this embodiment, the first ends of the seat restrainingjigs 12 are connected rotatably at the inside surfaces 2 a of seatbeltfixing pillars 2 by the link mechanism 51, and the other ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 are connected rotatably at the poles 10 by the linkmechanisms 17. Therefore, the restraint apparatus according to thisembodiment can restrain vehicle 1 securely and firmly like the vehiclerestraint apparatus of the first embodiment. Moreover, though thevehicle is restrained in the vehicle (translational) front and rearmotion or longitudinal motion, the vehicle (rotational) pitching motionand the vehicle (translational) up and down motion are free. Therefore,the vehicle restraint apparatus according to this embodiment can realizethe vehicle behavior with the vertical load approximate to the actualvertical load on a road, and the vertical load applied to a tire can bevaried in the same manner as in the traveling state including theaccelerating/decelerating state. Thus, the vehicle restraint apparatusaccording to this embodiment can enable tests including a test for thefuel consumption in the mode operation, an exhaust gas test, a vehicleperformance test and a test for vehicle behaviors.

Especially, in this embodiment, each vehicle restraining jig 12 can beconnected with the portion near one end of reinforcing jig 52 in vehicle1, obliquely from the outside of vehicle 1 on the rear side, throughconnecting jig 53, in the state in which the rear seat door of vehicle 1is removed or fixed open. Therefore, without receiving influence of theshapes of the rear seats and trunk room etc., it is possible to adjustthe connecting position between vehicle 1 and vehicle restraining jig12, easily near the vehicle gravity center 6. Furthermore, it ispossible to minimize the alteration of vehicle 1 required at the time ofsetting the vehicle 1 in the vehicle test system, and hence reduce thetime of preparation for the test.

Furthermore, vehicle restraining jigs 12 are made rotatable in alldirections on the rear side outside the vehicle 1, by the connectingjigs 53, at the respective positions near the pillar mount members 20(near both ends of reinforcing jig 52 in this practical example).Therefore, it is possible to set the vehicle restraining jigs 12 atdesired positions at or near the height of vehicle gravity center 6 inaccordance with the space in vehicle 1 in which vehicle restraining jigs12 are inserted. Accordingly, the vehicle restraint apparatus of thisembodiment can prevent a pitching movement of vehicle 1 (over swing, forexample) which could be caused, differently from the travel on the road,when the vehicle test is performed in the state in which vehicle 1restrained at the height positions remote from the vehicle gravitycenter 6 to avoid interference with the rear seats and trunk room ofvehicle 1.

Moreover, the pair of confronting pillar mount members 20 are connectedand reinforced by the reinforcing jig 52 in vehicle 1. Furthermore, thevehicle restraining jigs 12 are connected through the connecting jigs 53with the reinforcing jig 52 near both ends of this reinforcing jig 52.Therefore, it is possible to reduce the load factor of moment (torque)of the vehicle restraining jigs 12 to the reinforcing jig 52, and henceit is possible to prevent deformation of the reinforcing jig 52 anddeformation and breakage of pillar mount members 20 caused by thedeformation of reinforcing jig 52. Furthermore, the length adjustingmechanism 54 can adjust the length of reinforcing jig 52, to a desiredlength corresponding to the size of vehicle 1. Furthermore, thereinforcing jig 52 is arranged to adjust the positions at the left andright pillar mount members 20 in the vehicle height direction of vehicle1, so that the reinforcing jig 5 can be adjusted to a height close tothe vehicle gravity center 6 in dependence on the size of vehicle.

As evident from the explanation above, the vehicle restraint apparatus11 according to this embodiment is effective for restraining the vehicle1 of the four door type, for example.

In the case in which the pillar mount members 20 are rigid enoughbecause of the selection of the material, the reinforcing jig 52 is notalways required by the first link mechanisms 51. In this case, thepillow ball 55 of each connecting jig 53 is installed and fixed to ashort small fixing shaft provided integrally in the pillar mount member20, for example.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG. 12 shows a fifth embodiment. In this embodiment, the restrainingforce sensor(s) 29 is provided between the vehicle restraining jigs 12and second link mechanism 17 in the mode of the fourth embodiment, andarranged to sense the restraining force of the vehicle. The position ofrestraining force sensor 29 is not limited to the region between thevehicle restraining jig 12 and second link mechanism 17. Restrainingforce sensor(s) 29 may be provided at a position between second linkmechanism 17 and poles 10, a position between first link mechanism 16and seatbelt fixing pillar 2, or some other position capable of securelysensing the restraining force of restraining vehicle 1. The vehiclerestraint apparatus 11 of this embodiment capable of sensing the vehiclerestraining force makes it possible to measure and analyze the vehiclesprung characteristics, in addition to the effects of the fourthembodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B) show a sixth embodiment. In this embodiment, thefirst end of vehicle restraining jig 12 is connected rotatably to eachof the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars 2 through the first linkmechanism 51 at a position in the vicinity of the vehicle gravity center6, obliquely from the rear side in the inside of vehicle 1, and theother respects are the same as the fourth embodiment.

Following is explanation on one example of the use of the vehiclerestraint apparatus 11 of this embodiment with reference to FIG. 13.

In the case of vehicle 1 to be tested being a vehicle having a reardoor, such as a hatchback type vehicle, for example, the rear door isopened and fixed by a door restraining jig 58 omitted in the figure.Next, to the connecting jigs 53 of first link mechanism 51 installed invehicle 1, the first ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 inserted intovehicle 1, obliquely from the rear inside the vehicle 1 are connected.The vehicle restraining jigs 12 connected with the connecting jigs 53are rotatable in all directions rearwards inside the vehicle 1. Next, asin the fourth embodiment, the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12are connected rotatably, through second link mechanisms 17, with poles10 at positions substantially equal in height to the vehicle gravitycenter 6. Moreover, the lengths and spacing of vehicle restraining jigs12 are adjusted, respectively, with length adjusting mechanisms 13 and15. Poles 10 are adjusted too to adjust the heights and the positions inthe front and rear direction or the left and right direction and theconnecting directions of vehicle restraining jigs 12. After vehicle 1 isretrained as mentioned above, various tests for vehicle 1 are performedby rotating rollers 7 of the chassis dynamometer.

According to the thus-constructed vehicle restraint apparatus 11according to this embodiment, the first ends of seat restraining jigs 12are connected rotatably at the inside surfaces 2 a of seatbelt fixingpillars 2 by the link mechanism 51, and the other ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 are connected rotatably at the poles 10 by linkmechanisms 17. Therefore, the restraint apparatus according to thisembodiment can restrain vehicle 1 securely and firmly like the vehiclerestraint apparatus of the fourth embodiment. Moreover, though thevehicle is restrained in the vehicle (translational) longitudinalmotion, the vehicle (rotational) pitching motion and the vehicle(translational) up and down motion are free. Therefore, the vehiclerestraint apparatus according to this embodiment can realize the vehiclebehavior with the vertical load approximate to the actual vertical loadon a road.

Especially, in this embodiment, each vehicle restraining jig 12 can beconnected near one end of reinforcing jig 52 in vehicle 1, obliquelyfrom the rear side in the inside of vehicle 1. Therefore, it is possibleto adjust the connecting position between vehicle 1 and vehiclerestraining jig 12, easily near the vehicle gravity center 6 in a statereducing physical interference with the rear tire house and the openingof the rear door. Furthermore, it is possible to minimize the alterationof vehicle 1 required at the time of setting the vehicle 1 in thevehicle test system, and hence reduce the time of preparation for thetest.

Furthermore, vehicle restraining jigs 12 are made rotatable in alldirections on the rear side of the inside of vehicle 1, by theconnecting jigs 53, at the portions of the first link mechanism near thepillar mount members 20 (near both ends of reinforcing jig 52 in thispractical example). Therefore, it is possible to set the vehiclerestraining jigs 12 at desired positions at or near the height ofvehicle gravity center 6 in accordance with the space in vehicle 1 inwhich vehicle restraining jigs 12 are inserted. Accordingly, the vehiclerestraint apparatus of this embodiment can prevent a pitching movementof vehicle 1 (over swing, for example) which could be caused,differently from the travel on the road, when the vehicle test isperformed in the state in which vehicle 1 restrained at the heightpositions set remote from the vehicle gravity center 6 to avoidinterference with the rear tire house and the opening of rear door ofvehicle 1.

Moreover, the pair of pillar mount members 20 confronting each other inthe vehicle are connected by the reinforcing jig 52. Furthermore, thevehicle restraining jigs 12 are connected through the connecting jigs 53with the portions near both ends of this reinforcing jig 52. Therefore,the pillar mount members 20 are reinforced as in the fourth embodiment.Moreover, because the load factor of moment (torque) of the vehiclerestraining jigs 12 to the reinforcing jig 52 is reduced, it is possibleto prevent deformation of the reinforcing jig 52 and deformation andbreakage of pillar mount members 20 caused by the deformation ofreinforcing jig 52. Furthermore, the length adjusting mechanism 54 canadjust the length of reinforcing jig 52, to a desired lengthcorresponding to the size of vehicle 1.

As evident from the explanation above, the vehicle restraint apparatus11 according to this embodiment is effective for restraining the vehicle1 of the two door type and the rear door type having a rear door, forexample.

In the case in which the pillar mount members 20 are rigid enoughbecause of the selection of the material, the reinforcing jig 52 is notalways required by the first link mechanisms 51. In this case, thepillow ball 55 of each connecting jig 53 is installed and fixed to ashort small fixing shaft provided integrally in the pillar mount member20, for example, as mentioned before.

Seventh Embodiment

FIGS. 14(A) and 14(B) show a seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, therestraining force sensor or sensors 29 is provided between the firstlink mechanism 17 and pole 10 in the mode of the sixth embodiment, andarranged to sense the restraining force of the vehicle. The position ofrestraining force sensor 29 is not limited to the region between thesecond link mechanism 17 and pole 10. Restraining force sensor(s) 29 maybe provided at a position between vehicle restraining jig 12 and thesecond link mechanism 17, a positon between first link mechanism 16 andseatbelt fixing pillar 2, or some other position capable of sensing therestraining force of restraining vehicle 1 securely. The vehiclerestraint apparatus 11 of this embodiment capable of sensing the vehiclerestraining force makes it possible to measure and analyze the vehiclesprung characteristics, in addition to the effects of the sixthembodiment.

Eighth Embodiment

In a vehicle restraint apparatus of an eighth embodiment shown in FIGS.15 and 16, there is provided a first link mechanism 71 in place of thefirst link mechanism 51 in the mode of the fourth embodiment.

The first link mechanism 71 includes a pair of pillar mount members 72 aattached or fixed, respectively, to the outside surfaces 2 b of left andright seatbelt fixing pillars 2, connecting shafts 73 attached or fixed,respectively, to the outside surfaces of pillar mount members 75,connecting jigs 53 mounted on the connecting shafts 73 and arranged toconnect the vehicle restraining jigs 12 rotatably in all directionsrearwards in the outside of vehicle 1, and pressing members 74 pressingand fixing the connecting shafts 73 to the pillar mount member 72 a,respectively.

Each pillar mount member 72 a is formed with screw holes 24 a receivingscrew fasteners 25 screwed therein, for fastening this member 72 a tothe outside surface 2 b of seatbelt fixing pillar 2, and screw holes 24b receiving screw fasteners 25 screwed therein, for fastening thepressing member to this member 72 a. In each pillar mount member 72 a,the connecting shaft 73 is arranged to be able to adjust the position ofthe connecting shaft 73 in the vehicle height direction.

Following is explanation on an example of the use of vehicle restraintapparatus according to this embodiment with reference to FIGS. 15 and16.

First, the rear seat doors and door hinges are removed from attachmentportions 70 in the outside surfaces 2 b of left and right seatbeltfixing pillars 2 of vehicle 1, supporting the rear seat doors and thedoor hinges.

On the other hand, the connecting shaft 73 with the connecting jig 53mounted on the connecting shaft is attached preliminarily to the outsidesurface of each pillar mount member 72 a so that the connecting shaft 73projects from the outside surface of pillar mount member 72 a, and thepressing member 74 is fastened to this member 72 a by screw fasteners 25in the state pressing the connecting shaft 73.

Next, in the state in which each screw hole 24 a of pillar mount member72 a is superposed on the mating screw hole 23 formed in the attachmentportion 70 in the outside surface 2 b of each seat belt fixing pillar 2,the screw fastener 25 is screwed into these screw holes 23 and 24 a.Through the pillar mount members 72 a fixed to the outside surface 2 bof seatbelt fixing pillars 2 in this way, the first link mechanism 71 isattached to the outside surfaces 2 b of seatbelt fixing pillars 2. Theconnecting jigs 53 of first link mechanism 71 attached to the outsidesurfaces 2 b of seatbelt fixing pillars 2, at the positions near thevehicle brevity center 6 are connected with the first ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 inserted obliquely from the rear side in the outsideof vehicle 1 in vehicle 1. The vehicle restraining jigs 12 connectedwith connecting jigs 53 are rotatable in the omnidirectional manner inall directions rearwards in the outside of vehicle 1 by the pillow balls55 (FIG. 10) of connecting jigs 53.

Next, as in the fourth embodiment, the lengths of vehicle restrainingjigs 12 are adjusted with length adjusting mechanisms 13. Furthermore,the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 are connected rotatablywith poles 10 through second link mechanism 17 at the positionssubstantially equal in height to the height position of vehicle gravitycenter 6. Then, poles 10 are adjusted at the pedestals 100 of the polesto adjust the heights of the poles, the positions of the poles in thefront and rear direction or widthwise direction of vehicle 1 and theconnecting directions with vehicle restraining jigs 12 appropriately.

After vehicle 1 is thus restrained, various tests are performed forvehicle 1 by rotating the rotors 7 of chassis dynamometer.

As mentioned above, the vehicle restraint apparatus 11 of thisembodiment connects the first ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12rotatably with the seatbelt fixing pillars 2 at the outside surfaces 2 bwith first link mechanisms 71, and connects the second ends of vehiclerestraining jigs 12 rotatably at poles 10 with second link mechanisms17.

Therefore, the vehicle restraint apparatus 11 of this embodimentprovides the same effects as the vehicle restraint apparatus accordingto the fourth embodiment. Specifically, the restraint apparatusaccording to this embodiment can restrain vehicle 1 securely and firmly.Moreover, though the vehicle is restrained in the vehicle(translational) front and rear motion, the vehicle (rotational) pitchingmotion and the vehicle (translational) up and down motion are free.Therefore, the vehicle restraint apparatus according to this embodimentcan realize the vehicle behavior with the vertical load approximate tothe actual vertical load on a road.

Especially in the case of test vehicle 1 having rear side doors or rearseat doors 121, the vehicle can be restrained by removing the rear sidedoors 121, attaching the first link mechanism 71 to the outside surfaces21 b of left and right seatbelt fixing pillars 2 of vehicle 1, andconnecting the first ends of vehicle restraining jigs 12 with the firstlink mechanism 71. According to this mode, at the time of vehicle test,the driver's seat and front passenger's seat are adjustable toward therear, and the distance between the driver's seat and the steering wheelis adjustable to a desired distance. Therefore, this vehicle restraintapparatus can secure the distance between the steering wheel and thedriver's seat required by the physique of a driver or the installationof measurement equipment, and avoid adverse influence on the testoperation of vehicle 1.

Moreover, the connecting shafts 73 are adjustable in the vehicle heightdirection at the pillar mount members 72 a. Therefore, it is possible toadjust the positions of connecting shafts 73 to desired positions in thevicinity of the vehicle gravity center 6 in dependence on the size ofvehicle 1.

In this embodiment, the pillar mount members 72 a may be replaced bypillar mount members 72 b as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18.

The pillar mount members 72 b are wider than pillar mount members 72 a.As shown in FIG. 17(B), the pillar mount member 72 b on each side isattached to the outside surface 2 b of seatbelt fixing pillar 2 in thestate in which one of longer sides projects from the seatbelt fixingpillar 2 rearwards (in the wheel base direction).

The connecting jig 53 on each side for connecting the vehiclerestraining jig 12 rotatably in the omnidirectional manner rearwardsoutside vehicle 1 is preliminarily mounted on the connecting shaft 73fixed upright to the outside surface of pillar mount member 72 b by thepressing member 74 at a position near the seatbelt fixing pillar 2 onthe rear side of the seatbelt fixing pillar 2. The connecting shafts 73are adjustable in the vehicle height direction in this practicalexample, too.

The left and right pillar mount members 72 b confronting each other invehicle 1 through left and right seatbelt fixing pillars 2 are connectedand reinforced by the reinforcing jig 52 which is disposed coaxiallywith the connecting shafts 73 and which is adjustable in length. Theposition of reinforcing jig 52 in this mode is also adjustable in thevehicle height direction. The reinforcing jig 52 may be connected withconnecting shafts 73.

In this way, in the practical example of FIGS. 17 and 18, the width ofeach pillar mount member 72 b is increased in the vehicle wheel basedirection (offset in the wheel base direction). The vehicle restrainingjig 12 is attached to the portion of outside surface of this pillarmount member 72 b near, and on the rear side of, the seatbelt fixingpillar 2, rotationally in the rearward omnidirectional manner on theoutside.

Therefore, in the practical example of FIGS. 17 and 18, at the time ofvehicle test, the driver's seat and front passenger's seat areadjustable toward the rear, and the distance between the driver's seatand the steering wheel is adjustable to a desired distance, as in thepractical example of FIGS. 15 and 16.

Especially, the length-adjustable reinforcing jig 52 connecting andreinforcing the left and right pillar mount members 72 b confrontingeach other through vehicle 1 can increase the rigidity of pillar mountmembers 72 b. Moreover, since the reinforcing jig 52 and connectingshafts 73 are adjustable in the vehicle height direction at the pillarmount members 72 b, the reinforcing jig 53 and connecting shafts 73 canbe set at desired heights in the vicinity of vehicle gravity center 6 independence on the size of vehicle 1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting shaft 73 connectedrotatably with the connecting jig 53 on each side may be formed so thatthe connecting shaft 73 projects from the inside surface of the pillarmount member 72 b, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20. The connecting shafts 73of this practical example are also adjustable in the vehicle heightdirection.

The connecting shaft 73 on each side is fixed to the inside surface ofthe pillar mount member 72 b and projects from the inside surface ofpillar mount member 72 b at the position near the seatbelt fixing pillar2 on the rear side of seatbelt fixing pillar 2. Moreover, the connectingshafts 73 are connected with the reinforcing jig 52 connecting andreinforcing the left and right pillar mount members 72 b confrontingeach other in the vehicle 1.

This practical example can provide the same effects as the practicalexample of FIGS. 17 and 18. Especially, this practical example does notrequire the pressing members 74 for pressing the connecting shafts 73.Therefore, it is possible to reduce the number of component parts of thelink mechanism 71 and to simplify the operation of assembling thevehicle restraint apparatus 11 with vehicle 1.

Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, there maybe provided, between the connecting shaft 73 on each side and thereinforcing jig 52, a pillar mount member 72 c. The pillar mount member72 c is wider and longer than the pillar mount member 72 b.

The pillar mount member 72 c is attached to the inside surface 2 a ofeach of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars 2 by screw fasteners25 in the state in which the connecting shaft 73 provided with theconnecting jig 53 is clamped between the pillar mount member 72 c andthe pillar mount member 72 b. The left and right pillar mount members 72c thus fixed to the inside surfaces 2 a of left and right seatbeltfixing pillars 2 are connected and reinforced by the length adjustablereinforcing jig 52 disposed coaxially with the connecting shafts 73.This reinforcing jig 52 may be connected with the connecting shafts 73.The reinforcing jig 52 and the connecting shafts 73 are adjustable inthe vehicle height direction.

This practical example too can provide the same effects as the practicalexample of FIGS. 17 and 18, evidently. Especially, in this practicalexample, as shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, the connecting shaft 73 equippedwith the connecting jig 53 on each side is clamped between the outsidepillar mount member 72 b fixed to the outside surface 2 b of seatbeltfixing pillar 2 and the inside pillar mount member 72 c fixed to theinside surface 2 a of seatbelt fixing pillar 2, and the inside pillarmount members 762 c confronting each other inside the vehicle areconnected and reinforced by the length adjustable reinforcing jig 52.This structure improves the rigidity of the link mechanism 71 connectingthe vehicle restraining jigs 12 with vehicle 1.

Ninth Embodiment

FIGS. 23˜26 show a ninth embodiment. In this embodiment, the pair ofvehicle restraining jigs 12 are replaced by a pair of vehiclerestraining jigs 82 shorter than the vehicle restraining jigs 12, andthe poles 10 are replaced by vehicle outside anchor devices or vehicleoutside fixing devices 83 in the modes of the fourth to seventhembodiments.

As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, the first ends of left and right vehiclerestraining jigs 82 are connected with the link mechanism 51 at pillarmount members 20 attached to the inside surfaces 2 a of left and rightseatbelt fixing pillars 2 of vehicle 1 having rear seat doors 121, andthe second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 82 are connected with a linkmechanism 84 disposed in a rear seat interior space 122 of vehicle 1.

The reinforcing jig 52 of link mechanism 51 is adjustable to adjust theposition of reinforcing jig 52 at the pillar mount members 20, in thevehicle height direction. The explanation on the constructions andfunctions of link mechanism 51 and the connecting jigs 53 included inlink mechanism 51 are omitted because the constructions and functions oflink mechanism 51 and the connecting jigs 53 are explained before in theforth embodiment with reference to FIG. 10.

The vehicle outside anchor devices 83 are disposed, in a pair, on thefloor 9, near the left and right rear seat doors 121 of vehicle 1,respectively, and arranged to support the link mechanism 84 through theopenings 123 of rear seat doors 121.

As shown in FIG. 25, the link mechanism 84 includes left and rightattaching members 85, a first reinforcing jig 86 and a pair ofconnecting jigs 53. The left and right attaching members 85 extendvertically and confront each other in the rear seat interior space 122of vehicle 1 at the side of rear seat doors 121. The left and rightattaching members 85 are supported by the vehicle outside anchor devices83. The first reinforcing jig 86 connects and reinforces the left andright attaching members 85. The first reinforcing jig 86 is adjustableso that the length of first reinforcing jig 86 is adjustable. Theconnecting jigs 53 connect the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs82 rotatably with portions near both ends of first restraining jig 86.

The first reinforcing jig 86 is attached to the left and right attachingmembers 85 confronting each other inside the vehicle 1, in theadjustable manner enabling the adjustment of the position of firstreinforcing jig 86 in the vehicle height direction. Near one end offirst reinforcing jig 86, a pillow ball 55 (FIG. 10) of connecting jig53 is preliminarily attached and fixed. The left and right attachingmembers 85 confronting each other are further reinforced secondarily bysecond reinforcing jig(s) 87 provided therebetween.

The vehicle outside anchor devices 83 include left and right supportmembers 831 supporting the left and right attaching members of linkmechanism 84 upright in vehicle 1, respectively. The two support members831 are supported horizontally by horizontal supporting members 832included in the main bodies of vehicle outside anchor devices 83,respectively, and connected by a connecting reinforce member 833connecting and reinforcing the left and right support members 831stably. Like the poles 10 in the first to eighth embodiments, thevehicle outside anchor devices 83 are installed on the floor 9 in theadjustable manner capable of adjusting the positions in either of thevehicle width direction, vehicle length direction and vehicle heightdirection.

The vehicle restraint apparatus 11 according to this embodiment is usedin the following manner, for example, as shown in FIGS. 23˜25.

First, the pillar mount members 20 of the first link mechanism 51including the connecting jigs 53 connected with the first ends ofvehicle restraining jigs 82 are attached to the inside surfaces 2 a ofseatbelt fixing pillars 2, respectively. Accordingly, the vehiclerestraining jigs 82 are connected rotatably in the omnidirectionalmanner rearwards in vehicle 1, in the vicinity of the vehicle gravitycenter 6. Next, the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 872 areconnected with the connecting jigs 53 of link mechanism 84 supported inthe rear seat interior space 122, at the height substantially equal tothe height of vehicle gravity center 6. Then, the lengths of vehiclerestraining jigs 82 are adjusted with length adjusting mechanisms 13,and the positions of vehicle outside anchor devices 83 are adjusted inthe vehicle width direction, the vehicle length direction and/or thevehicle height direction. After vehicle 1 is thus restrained, therollers 7 of chassis dynamometer are rotated and various tests ofvehicle 1 are performed.

Therefore, the vehicle restraint apparatus 11 of this embodiment canrestrain vehicle 1 securely and firmly like the vehicle restraintapparatus 11 of the sixth embodiment. Moreover, though the vehicle isrestrained in the vehicle (translational) longitudinal motion, thevehicle (rotational) pitching motion and the vehicle (translational) upand down motion are set free. Therefore, the vehicle restraint apparatusaccording to this embodiment can realize the vehicle behavior with thevertical load approximate to the actual vertical load on a road.

Especially, this embodiment provides following effects in addition tothe effects of the sixth embodiment. In the case of the test vehiclebeing of the type having rear seat doors 121, the link mechanism 84connected with the second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 82 issupported by the vehicle outside anchor or fixing devices 83 through theopenings 123 for the rear seat doors 121, so that it is possible toreduce the alteration of vehicle 1 to be tested.

Moreover, the reinforcing jig 52 and the first reinforcing jig 86 areattached to the members 20 and 85 for attachment, respectively, in theadjustable manner allowing the position adjustment in the vehicle heightdirection of vehicle 1. Therefore, it is possible to set the reinforcingjig 52 and first reinforcing jig 86 at desired positions at or near thelevel of the center of gravity 6 of vehicle 1 in accordance with thesize of vehicle 1.

The second ends of vehicle restraining jigs 82 are connected with theportions of first reinforcing jig 86 at or near both ends of firstreinforcing jig 86 through the connecting jigs 53. This structure canreduce the load factor of the moment (torque) of vehicle restrainingjigs 82 to the first reinforcing jig 86, and thereby prevent deformationof first reinforcing jig 86 and related deformation and breakage ofpillar attaching members 85.

The length-adjustable second reinforcing jig 87 further reinforcing theleft and right attaching members 85 auxiliary can reinforce the pillarattaching members 85 and simultaneously support the first reinforcingjig 86 more stably.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26, the vehicle restraining jig(s) 82 maybe provided with the restraining force sensor 29, as in the fifthembodiment. In this practical example, the apparatus can sense therestraining force of the vehicle, and hence obtain the measurementsignal of the restraining force of vehicle 1 in the longitudinaldirection or front and rear direction.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 26, the vehicle restraining jig(s) 82 maybe provided with a vibration damping device 89 to attenuatecharacteristic vibration of jig(s) 82. As the vibration damping device89, it is possible to employ a known vibration damping device attachedto vehicle restraining jig 12, 82 in a non-concentric manner or anon-coaxial manner.

The vibration damping device 89 includes an attachment member 89 aattached to the vehicle restraining jig 82 detachably, an elastic member89 b, such as rubber, spring, connected detachably with the member 89 a,and a weight or plumb 89 c connected detachably with the member 89 b.

In the practical example of FIG. 26, the vibration damping device 89attenuates vibration of the vehicle restraining jig 82 produced at thetime of test of vehicle 1. Therefore, the restraining sensor 29 cansense the restraining force with reduced influence of the vehiclerestraining jig 82.

Tenth Embodiment

FIGS. 27 and 28 show a tenth embodiment. The vehicle restraint apparatusof this embodiment includes a deflection absorbing mechanism(s) 90 toabsorb deflection or bending of the vehicle restraining jig(s) 12 or 82produced at the time of test of the vehicle 1 with the chassisdynamometer in any one of the first to ninth embodiments.

The deflection absorbing mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 27 includes a jigreceiving section 901 including a buffer or cushioning material 900abutting elastically on the vehicle restraining jig deflected in thedirection of gravity at the time of the tests, and a prop or columnsection 902 supporting the jig receiving section 901 rotatably in thehorizontal direction or the vertical direction. As the buffer 900, it ispossible to use a thick plate of known elastic material such aspolyethylene.

The prop section 902 stands upright on a base section 903 placed on thefloor 9 in the adjustable manner allowing the adjustment of the positionin any of the vehicle width direction, vehicle length direction andvehicle height direction of vehicle 1.

This embodiment can absorb shock of the vehicle restraining jig(s) 12 or82 deflecting in the direction of gravity at the time of testing ofvehicle 1 with the chassis dynamometer, with the buffer(s) 900 of thedeflection absorbing mechanism 90, in addition to the effects of thefirst to ninth embodiments.

Even if the vehicle restraining jigs 12 or 82 are deflected due to harddeceleration of vehicle 1 in a brake operation test, for example, thebuffers 900 of the jig receiving sections 901 can absorb the deflection,and thereby the deflection absorbing mechanism can reduce influence on ameasurement signal of the restraining force of the restraining forcesensor 29. Furthermore, the deflection absorbing mechanism can preventdamage caused by buckling of the vehicle restraining jigs 12 or 82.

Especially, the jig receiving sections 901 are disposed below thevehicle restraining jigs 12 or 82 (in the direction of gravity) andarranged to rotate in the horizontal direction or the verticaldirection. Therefore, the jig receiving sections can absorb deflectionof the vehicle restraining jigs 12 or 82 from any direction.

As shown in FIG. 28, the jig receiving section 901 may be provided witha pair of stopper portions 904 each having a buffer 900 abuttingelastically against the vehicle restraining jig deflected in thehorizontal direction. In this practical example, impact of the vehiclerestraining jig 12 or 82 deflecting in the direction of gravity and thevehicle width direction can be absorbed securely by the buffers 900 ofstopper portions 904. Therefore, the deflection absorbing mechanismmakes it possible to obtain the measurement signal of the restrainingforce sensor 29 under further reduced influence of the vehiclerestraining jig 12 or 82. Furthermore, the deflection absorbingmechanism can prevent damage caused by buckling of the vehiclerestraining jigs 12 or 82.

As shown in FIG. 29, in this embodiment too, the vibration dampingdevice(s) 89 may be attached detachably to the vehicle restrainingjig(s) 12 or 82 as in the ninth embodiment. In the practical example,the vibration damping device 89 attenuates vibration of the vehiclerestraining jig 82 produced at the time of test of vehicle 1. Therefore,the restraining sensor 29 can sense the restraining force with furtherreduced influence of the vehicle restraining jig 82.

Eleventh Embodiment

FIG. 30 shows an eleventh embodiment. The vehicle restraint apparatus 11according to this embodiment includes vibration damping device(s) 89 todamp characteristic vibration of the vehicle restraining jig(s) 12 or 82produced at the time of test of the vehicle 1 with the chassisdynamometer in any one of the first to tenth embodiments.

As the vibration damping device 89, it is possible to employ a vibrationdamping device attached detachably to the vehicle restraining jig 12 or82 in a non-concentric manner or a non-coaxial manner, as shown in FIG.30.

The vibration damping device 89 shown in FIG. 30(A) includes anattachment member or attaching member 891 attached to the vehiclerestraining jig 12, 82 detachably, an elastic member 892 connecteddetachably with an outer side surface of a lower end portion 891 c ofthe attachment member 891, a shank portion or shaft portion 893 whichincludes a first end connected detachably with the elastic member 892and which is adjustable in length, and a weight portion 894 which isconnected detachably with a second end of the shank portion 893 andwhich is adjustable in weight.

The attachment member 891 includes an upper end portion 891 a attacheddetachably to the vehicle restraining jig 12, 82, a main portion 891 battached detachably to the upper end portion 891 a, and the lower endportion 891 c attached detachably to the main portion 891 b.

The main portion 891 b is rotatable, in an omnidirectional manner, aboutthe upper end portion 891 a (about the position at which the upper endportion 891 a is attached to the vehicle restraining jig 12, 82), in anomnidirectional manner for all directions. To enable the omnidirectionalrotation, the upper end portion 891 is provided with a pillow ball, forexample, at the upper end.

The main portion 891 b is detachable from upper end portion 891 a, sothat it is possible to select an appropriate one of main portions 891 bhaving different lengths. The change of main portion 891 b is notrequired when the main portion 891 b is provided with a length adjustingmechanism.

The lower end portion 891 c is rotatable in the horizontal direction.For example, the lower end portion 891 c is formed with an internallythreaded portion into which the lower end of main portion 891 b isscrewed, so that the lower end portion 891 c is rotatable in thehorizontal direction.

As the elastic member 892, it is possible to use an elastic or resilientmember such as elastic rubber or coil spring used in a well-knownanti-vibration damper. As the shank portion 893, it is possible toemploy a length adjustable screw shaft screwed into the elastic member892, for example. As the weight portion 894, it is possible to use adividable weight of a known shape, attached to the shank portion 893 bymeans of thread engagement, for example.

In this embodiment, the vibration damping device 89 can attenuatecharacteristic vibration of each vehicle restraining jig 12, 82 producedat the time of test of vehicle 1, in addition to the effects of thefirst to tenth embodiments. Therefore, the restraining force sensor 29can sense the restraining force with reduced influence of the vehiclerestraining jigs.

For example, even in the case of hard acceleration/deceleration ofvehicle 1 under test, the vibration damping devices 89 reduce thedamping rate of characteristic or natural vibration of the vehiclerestraining jigs 12, 86, and reduce the time of amplitude, so that theapparatus can restrain influence on the measurement signal ofrestraining force sensors 29.

Patent documents 4˜7 disclose conventional vibration damping devices toattenuate natural vibration of a rod-shaped member. These vibrationdamping devices are designed to attenuate natural vibration of arod-shaped member having one end set free, and arranged to be attachedto the rod-shaped member concentrically or coaxially. Therefore, in thecase of a rod-like member, such as vehicle restraining jigs 12, 82,having both ends fixed, these vibration damping devices are inadequatefor suppressing natural vibration of the rod-like member since thechange of weights for adjusting the damping rate is difficult.

By contrast, each vibration damping device 89 is so arranged thatvibration damping device 89 can be attached non-concentrically ornon-coaxially at a position away from the vehicle restraining jig 12, 82in a detachable manner allowing operations of attaching and removing thedevice to and from the vehicle restraining jig. Therefore, it is easy toattach the vibration damping device 89 to the rod-like member havingboth ends fixed, so that the adjustment of natural frequency isdifficult. Moreover, the adjustment of weight of the weight portion 894is possible even after the installment, and hence the adjustment of thenatural vibration frequency and the damping rate of vehicle restrainingjig 12, 82 is easy.

Especially, in the vibration damping device 89, the upper end portion891 a of attachment member 891 is detachable with respect to the vehiclerestraining jig 12, 82; the main portion 891 b is detachable withrespect to upper end portion 891 a; the lower end portion 891 c isdetachable with respect to main portion 891 b, the elastic member 894 isdetachable with respect to lower end portion 891 c; the shank portion893 is detachable with respect to elastic member 892; and the weightportion 894 is detachable with respect to shank portion 893. Therefore,it is possible arbitrarily and individually to set the attachmentposition of upper end portion 891 a to vehicle restraining jig 12, 82,the lengths of main portion 891 b, shaft portion 893 and elastic member892, the elastic force of elastic member 892 and the weight of weightportion 894. Consequently, the vibration damping device 89 enables theflexible adjustment to the natural vibration frequency of vehiclerestraining jig 12, 82. The above-mentioned effect of the adjustment isfurther increased by th lower end portion 891 c arranged to be rotatablein the horizontal direction.

It is possible to employ a structure shown in FIG. 30(B). In thisstructure, a further elastic member 892 is additionally connecteddetachably to the lower end portion 891 a of attachment member 891 at anouter side surface so that the further elastic member 892 confronts theexisting elastic member 892. Moreover, in this structure, a lengthadjustable shank portion 893 is connected detachably with this elasticmember 892, and a weight adjustable weight portion 894 is detachablyconnected with this shank portion 893. This practical example expandsthe range of adjustment of the natural vibration frequency and dampingrate of vehicle restraining jigs 12, 82.

The vibration damping devices 89 are arranged to damp vibration ofvehicle restraining jigs 12, 18 in the examples explained above.However, the object to be damped is not limited to the vehiclerestraining jigs 12, 82. The vibration damping device according to thepresent invention is applicable also to rod-like members undergoingvibrations, to attenuate the natural vibration of the rod-like members.

Twelfth Embodiment

FIGS. 31 and 32 show a twelfth embodiment. The vehicle restraintapparatus 11 according to this embodiment further includes a lateralvibration suppressing mechanism 61 to suppress lateral vibration of thevehicle 1 produced at the time of test of the vehicle 1 with the chassisdynamometer, in any one of the first to eleventh embodiments.

Two of the lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms 61 are disposed onthe left and right sides, at the positions of the front wheels ofvehicle 1, and two of the lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms 61are disposed on the left and right sides at the positions of the rearwheels of vehicle 1. Especially, in the case of the fourth and fifthembodiments, these lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms 61 aredisposed so as to avoid interference with the vehicle restraining jigs12.

Each of the lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms 61 includes abuffer member or cushioning member 62 abutting elastically on the mainbody of vehicle 1, a support member 63 supporting the buffer 62 in anadjustable manner to adjust the position of buffer 62 in the widthdirection of vehicle 1, and a pillar portion 64 to which the supportmember 63 is attached.

The buffer member 62 is filled with sponge or air balls. The supportmember and pillar portion 64 are made of material having tensilestrength and compression strength required to suppress the side force ofvehicle 1, such as steel or other material superior in the mechanicalstrength in the form of sheet or pipe like the vehicle restraining jigs12.

The support member 63 is supported in a horizontal state, by a bracemember or horizontal support member 65 fixed to the pillar portion 64,as shown in FIG. 32. The pillar portion 64 is supported upright on abase 67 placed fixedly on the floor 9, by an upright support member 66in the adjustable manner to enable the position adjustment in any of thevehicle width direction, vehicle length direction and vehicle heightdirection of vehicle 1.

With the lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms 61, the vehiclerestraint apparatus 11 according to this embodiment can suppress lateralvibration (side force) of vehicle 1 produced at the timer of test ofvehicle 1 with the chassis dynamometer, in addition to the effects ofthe first to eleventh embodiments. By so doing, this vehicle restraintapparatus can suppress motion of vehicle 1 other than the pitchingmotion and up and down motion.

As the vehicle restraint apparatus in the chassis dynamometer, besidesthe vehicle restraint apparatus disclosed in Patent Documents 1˜3,Patent Documents 8 and 9 show vehicle fixing apparatus. The vehiclefixing apparatus of Patent Document 8 includes fixing units fixing atest vehicle at positions corresponding to the four corners of the testvehicle. The vehicle fixing apparatus of Patent Document 9 includesfront and rear stopper bars fixing the front and rear ends of a testvehicle and side pressing portions fixing the left and right sides ofthe vehicle.

However, the vehicle fixing apparatus of Patent Documents 8 and 9 arearranged to fix the test vehicle on the front and rear sides and leftand right side almost completely, so that the vehicle pitching motiontends to be restrained too much beyond the requirement. Therefore, thesevehicle fixing apparatus are unable to reproduce the vehicle behaviorsimulating the behavior on the road as intended, in some cases, like theapparatus of Patent Documents 1˜3.

By contrast, the vehicle restraint apparatus 11 according to thisembodiment including the vehicle restraining jigs in one of the first toeleventh embodiments, and the lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms61 can suppress the side or lateral forces of vehicle 1 produced at thetime of test of vehicle 1 while setting the vehicle pitching motionfree, and thereby achieve the vehicle behavior including the verticalload simulating the actual behavior on the road more effectively.

Furthermore, the arrangement including the four lateral vibrationsuppressing mechanisms 61 disposed in a pair at the left and right frontwheel positions and in a pair at the left and right rear wheel positionscan suppress the lateral vibration of vehicle 1 at the portions aroundthe left and right front fenders and the left and right rear fenders ofvehicle 1. Therefore, the operation is feasible without interferencewith a discharge port of a cooling fan for cooling an engine of vehicle1, generally disposed at a front part of vehicle 1. Moreover, withoutinterference with the opening/closing operations of the doors ofvehicle, it is possible to reduce the time for preparation by settingmeasuring devices in vehicle 1.

Furthermore, the buffer members 62 of the lateral vibration suppressingmechanisms 61 abut elastically or resiliently on the body of vehicle 1,and thereby reduce influence impeding the vehicle pitching motion.Moreover, because the positions of the buffer members 62 are adjustableby the support members 63 in the width direction of vehicle 1, it ispossible to set the positions of buffer members 62 desirably independence on the width of vehicle 1.

The pillar portions 64 are adjustable in any of the vehicle widthdirection, vehicle length direction and vehicle height direction.Therefore, it is it is possible to set the positions of buffer members62 desirably in dependence on the vehicle width, vehicle length andvehicle height of vehicle 1.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A vehicle test and restraint system,comprising: a vehicle test apparatus comprising one or more rollers; avehicle placed on the one or more rollers; a vehicle restraint apparatuscomprising a pair of vehicle restraining jigs having first ends directlyjoined with left and right seatbelt fixing pillars of the vehicle andsecond ends joined with left and right poles on a floor, wherein thefirst end of the vehicle restraining jig on a left side is connectedwith an intermediate portion of the left seatbelt fixing pillar whichextends upwards from a lower end to an upper end, and which includes theintermediate portion located between the lower end and the upper end sothat the intermediate portion of the left seatbelt fixing pillar ispulled directly by the vehicle restraining jig on the left side; thefirst end of the vehicle restraining jig on a right side is connectedwith an intermediate portion of the right seatbelt fixing pillar whichextends upwards from a lower end to an upper end, and which includes theintermediate portion located between the lower end and the upper end ofthe right seat belt fixing pillar so that the intermediate portion ofthe right seatbelt fixing pillar is pulled directly by the vehiclerestraining jig on the right side; and the vehicle restraining jigs onthe left and right sides restrain a vehicle body of the vehicle byholding the intermediate portions of the left and right seatbelt fixingpillars at a height above a floor structure of the vehicle body, withoutholding the floor structure directly; wherein the vehicle restraintapparatus further comprises a first link mechanism to connect the firstends of the vehicle restraining jigs on the left and right sides withthe intermediate portions of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars,respectively, at left and right front connection points located at aheight substantially equal to a height of a center of gravity of thevehicle; and a second link mechanism to anchor the second ends of thevehicle restraining jigs on the left and right sides to left and rightexternal anchor devices, respectively, by holding the second ends of thevehicle restraining jigs, respectively, at left and right rearconnection points located at a height substantially equal to the heightof the center of gravity of the vehicle; wherein the first linkmechanism is attached to the intermediate portions of the left and rightseatbelt fixing pillars, and the vehicle restraining jigs on the leftand right sides extend, respectively, from the left and right frontconnection points to the left and right rear connection points in arearward direction of the vehicle toward a rear end of the vehicle atthe time of restraining the vehicle.
 2. The vehicle test and restraintsystem as recited in claim 1, wherein the first ends of the vehiclerestraining jigs are joined rotatably with the seatbelt fixing pillars,respectively, in a vicinity of the center of gravity of the vehiclethrough the first link mechanism, and the second ends of the vehiclerestraining jigs are joined rotatably with the poles, respectively, atpositions substantially equal in height to the center of gravity of thevehicle, through the second link mechanism.
 3. The vehicle test andrestraint system as recited in claim 2, wherein the first link mechanismcomprises: a pair of pillar mount members attached to the left and rightseatbelt fixing pillars, respectively; and connecting jigs connectingthe vehicle restraining jigs rotatably in an omnidirectional mannerrearwards outside or inside the vehicle at respective portions near thepillar mount members.
 4. The vehicle test and restraint system asrecited in claim 3, wherein the first link mechanism further includes areinforcing jig which connects and reinforces the pillar mount membersand which is adjustable in length, and the connecting jigs are connectedwith portions near both ends of the reinforcing jig.
 5. The vehicle testand restraint system as recited in claim 4, wherein the reinforcing jigis attached to the pillar mount members in an adjustable manner toadjust a positon of the reinforcing jig in a vehicle height direction.6. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 1, whereinthe poles are installed on the floor in an adjustable manner forposition adjustment in at least one of a vehicle width direction, avehicle length direction and a vehicle height direction of the vehicle.7. A vehicle test and restraint system, comprising: a vehicle testapparatus; a vehicle placed on the vehicle test apparatus; a vehiclerestraint apparatus comprising: a left vehicle restraining jig extendinglongitudinally from a first end to a second end and including the firstend which is configured to be connected with a left seatbelt fixingpillar of the vehicle for holding a seatbelt of the vehicle, and thesecond end which is configured to be secured by an external left anchordevice disposed outside the vehicle, and a right vehicle restraining jigextending longitudinally from a first end to a second end and includingthe first end which is configured to be connected with a right seatbeltfixing pillar of the vehicle for holding a seatbelt of the vehicle andthe second end which is configured to be secured by an external rightanchor device disposed outside the vehicle; wherein the first ends ofthe left and right vehicle restraining jigs are attached, respectively,to the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars at a time of restrainingthe vehicle and thereby the left and right vehicle restraining jigsrestrain a vehicle body of the vehicle through the left and rightseatbelt fixing pillars, wherein the first end of the left vehiclerestraining jig is connected with an intermediate portion of the leftseatbelt fixing pillar which extends upwards from a lower end to anupper end, and which includes the intermediate portion located betweenthe lower end and the upper end so that the intermediate portion of theleft seatbelt fixing pillar is pulled directly by the left vehiclerestraining jig; and the first end of the right vehicle restraining jigis connected with an intermediate portion of the right seatbelt fixingpillar which extends upwards from a lower end to an upper end, and whichincludes the intermediate portion located between the lower end and theupper end of the right seat belt fixing pillar so that the intermediateportion of the right seatbelt fixing pillar is pulled directly by theright vehicle restraining jig; and the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs restrain the vehicle body of the vehicle by holding theintermediate portions of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars at aheight above a floor structure of the vehicle body, without holding thefloor structure directly; wherein the vehicle restraint apparatusfurther comprises a first link mechanism to connect the first ends ofthe left and right vehicle restraining jigs with the intermediateportions of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars, respectively, atleft and right front connection points located at a height substantiallyequal to a height of a center of gravity of the vehicle; and a secondlink mechanism to anchor the second ends of the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs to the external left and right anchor devices,respectively, by holding the second ends of the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs, respectively, at left and right rear connection pointslocated at a height substantially equal to the height of the center ofgravity of the vehicle; wherein the first link mechanism is attached tothe intermediate portions of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars,and the left and right vehicle restraining jigs extend, respectively,from the left and right front connection points to the left and rightrear connection points in a rearward direction of the vehicle toward arear end of the vehicle at the time of restraining the vehicle.
 8. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 7, wherein thefirst ends of the left and right vehicle restraining jigs are connectedwith outside surfaces of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars ofthe vehicle and the second ends of the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs are joined with the external left and right anchordevices which are, respectively, left and right poles on a floor.
 9. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 8, wherein thefirst ends of the left and right vehicle restraining jigs are connectedrotatably with the outside surfaces of the left and right seatbeltfixing pillars in a vicinity of the center of gravity of the vehicle,through the first link mechanism, and the second ends of the left andright vehicle restraining jigs are connected rotatably with the poles atpositions substantially equal in height to the center of gravity of thevehicle, through the second link mechanism.
 10. The vehicle test andrestraint system as recited in claim 9, wherein the first linkmechanisms includes: a pair of pillar mount members attached to theoutside surfaces of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars,respectively, connecting shafts attached to inside surfaces of thepillar mount members at respective nearby rear positions on a rear sideof the seatbelt fixing pillars, connecting jigs mounted on theconnecting shafts, respectively, and arranged to connect the left andright vehicle restraining jigs rotatably in an omnidirectional mannerrearwards outside the vehicle; and a reinforcing jig which is connectedwith the connecting shafts, which is arranged to connect and reinforcethe pillar mount members and which is adjustable in length.
 11. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 9, wherein thefirst link mechanisms comprises: a pair of first pillar mount membersattached to the outside surfaces of the left and right seatbelt fixingpillars, respectively; a pair of second pillar mount members attached toinside surfaces of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars,respectively; connecting shafts clamped between the first pillar mountmembers and the second pillar mount members confronting the first pillarmount members, at respective nearby rear positions on a rear side of theseatbelt fixing pillars; connecting jigs mounted on the connectingshafts, respectively, and arranged to connect the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs rotatably in an omnidirectional manner rearwardsoutside the vehicle; and a reinforcing jig which is disposed coaxiallywith the connecting shafts, which is arranged to connect and reinforcethe second pillar mount members and which is adjustable in length. 12.The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 9, wherein thefirst link mechanisms comprises: a pair of pillar mount members attachedto the outside surfaces of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars,respectively; connecting shafts attached to outside surfaces of thepillar mount members; and connecting jigs mounted on the connectingshafts, respectively, and arranged to connect the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs rotatably in an omnidirectional manner rearwardsoutside the vehicle.
 13. The vehicle test and restraint system asrecited in claim 12, wherein the connecting shafts are adjustable forposition adjustment in a vehicle height direction of the vehicle. 14.The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 9, wherein thefirst link mechanisms comprises: a pair of pillar mount members attachedto the outside surfaces of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars,respectively; connecting shafts attached to outside surfaces of thepillar mount members at respective nearby rear positions on a rear sideof the seatbelt fixing pillars; connecting jigs mounted on theconnecting shafts, respectively, and arranged to connect the left andright vehicle restraining jigs rotatably in an omnidirectional mannerrearwards outside the vehicle; and a reinforcing jig which is disposedcoaxially with the connecting shafts, which is arranged to connect andreinforce the pillar mount members and which is adjustable in length.15. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 14,wherein the reinforcing jig is adjustable for position adjustment in avehicle height direction of the vehicle.
 16. The vehicle test andrestraint system as recited in claim 7, wherein the vehicle restraintapparatus comprises: the left and right vehicle restraining jigs havingthe first ends connected rotatably with the left and right seatbeltfixing pillars of the vehicle in a vicinity of the center of gravity ofthe vehicle; a link mechanism connected with the second ends of the leftand right vehicle restraining jigs in a rear seat interior space of thevehicle; and the external left and right anchor devices disposed on afloor near left and right rear seat doors of the vehicle, respectively,and arranged to support the link mechanism through openings of the rearseat doors.
 17. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited inclaim 16, wherein the link mechanism comprises: left and right attachingmembers disposed in confrontation in the rear seat interior space of thevehicle, and supported by the external left and right anchor devices,respectively; a first reinforcing jig connecting and reinforcing theleft and right attaching members; and connecting jigs connecting thesecond ends of the left and right vehicle restraining jigs rotatably atrespective portions near both ends of the first reinforcing jig.
 18. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 17, wherein thelink mechanism further comprises a second reinforcing jig connecting andreinforcing the left and right attaching members secondarily.
 19. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 17, wherein thefirst reinforcing jig is attached to the left and right attachingmembers in an adjustable manner to adjust a position of the firstreinforcing jig in a vehicle height direction of the vehicle.
 20. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 16, wherein theexternal left and right anchor devices are disposed on the floor in anadjustable manner enabling position adjustment in at least one of avehicle width direction, a vehicle length direction and a vehicle heightdirection of the vehicle.
 21. The vehicle test and restraint system asrecited in claim 7, wherein each vehicle restraining jig is providedwith an adjusting mechanism to adjust a length of this vehiclerestraining jig in a vehicle length direction of the vehicle.
 22. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 7, wherein thevehicle restraint apparatus further comprises a restraining force sensorto sense a restraining force of the vehicle restraining jigs.
 23. Thevehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 7, wherein thevehicle restraint apparatus further comprises a vibration damping deviceattached to one of the vehicle restraining jigs detachably and arrangedto attenuate vibration of the vehicle restraining jig produced at a timeof test of the vehicle.
 24. The vehicle test and restraint system asrecited in claim 23, wherein the vibration damping device comprises: anattachment member attached to the vehicle restraining jig detachably; anelastic member attached detachably to an outer side surface of a lowerend portion of the attachment member; a length-adjustable shank portionhaving a first end attached to the elastic member detachably; and aweight portion which is attached detachably to a second end of the shankportion and which is adjustable in weight.
 25. The vehicle test andrestraint system as recited in claim 7, wherein the vehicle restraintapparatus further comprises a lateral vibration suppressing mechanism tosuppress lateral vibration of the vehicle produced at a time of test ofthe vehicle.
 26. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited inclaim 25, wherein a plurality of the lateral vibration suppressingmechanisms are provided, respectively, at positions of front wheels ofthe vehicle on left and right sides of the vehicle and at positions ofrear wheels of the vehicle on the left and right sides of the vehicle.27. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 26,wherein each of the lateral vibration suppressing mechanisms comprises:a buffer member to abut elastically on a main body of the vehicle; asupport member supporting the buffer member adjustably to adjust aposition of the buffer member in a vehicle width direction of thevehicle; and a pillar portion to which the support member is attached.28. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 27,wherein the pillar portion is installed in an adjustable manner toenable position adjustment in one of a vehicle width direction, avehicle length direction and a vehicle height direction.
 29. The vehicletest and restraint system as recited in claim 7, wherein the vehiclerestraint apparatus further comprises: the first link mechanism toconnect the first ends of the left and right vehicle restraining jigswith the left and right seatbelt fixing pillars, respectively, at leftand right front connection points positioned to minimize a difference inheight from the center of gravity of the vehicle; and the second linkmechanism to anchor the second ends of the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs to the external left and right anchor devices,respectively, by holding the second ends of the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs, respectively, at left and right rear connection pointspositioned to minimize a difference in height from the center of gravityof the vehicle; wherein the first link mechanism is attached to the leftand right seatbelt fixing pillars, and the left and right vehiclerestraining jigs extend, respectively, from the left and right frontconnection points to the left and right rear connection points in arearward direction of the vehicle toward a rear end of the vehicle atthe time of restraining the vehicle.
 30. The vehicle test and restraintsystem as recited in claim 29, wherein the first link mechanismcomprises: a pair of pillar mount members configured to be fixed to theleft and right seatbelt fixing pillars, respectively; and connectingjigs configured to be supported by the pillar mount members,respectively and to be connected, respectively, with the first ends ofthe left and right vehicle restraining jigs at the left and right frontconnection points.
 31. The vehicle test and restraint system as recitedin claim 30, wherein each of the connecting jigs includes a joint toallow rotation of the first end of a corresponding one of the vehiclerestraining jigs.
 32. The vehicle test and restraint system as recitedin claim 29, wherein the first link mechanism is arranged to adjust theleft and right front connection points in a vehicle height direction ofthe vehicle to minimize the difference in height between the center ofgravity of the vehicle and each of the left and right front connectionpoints.
 33. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 7,wherein the external left anchor device is one of a left pole installedon a floor of a vehicle test system and a left vehicle outside anchordevice installed on the floor of the vehicle test system on a left sideof the vehicle on at least one roller of the vehicle test apparatus, andthe external right anchor device is one of a right pole installed on thefloor of the vehicle test system and a right vehicle outside anchordevice installed on the floor of the vehicle test system on a right sideof the vehicle on the at least one roller of the vehicle test apparatus.34. The vehicle test and restraint system as claimed in claim 7, whereinthe vehicle restraint apparatus further comprises the external leftanchor device disposed on a rear side of the left seatbelt fixing pillarin a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the external right anchordevice disposed on the rear side of the right seatbelt fixing pillar,and accordingly a position of the left and right seatbelt fixing pillarsin the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is between a position of afront end of the vehicle and a position of the external left and rightanchor devices.
 35. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited inclaim 7, wherein the vehicle restraint apparatus further comprises theexternal left anchor device disposed on a rear side of a rear end of thevehicle in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle and the externalright anchor device disposed on the rear side of the rear end of thevehicle in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, and accordingly aposition of the rear end of the vehicle in the longitudinal direction ofthe vehicle is between a position of the left and right seatbelt fixingpillars and a position of the external left and right anchor devices.36. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited in claim 7, whereinthe first ends of the left and right vehicle restraining jigs aredisposed in an inside space of the vehicle at the time of restrainingthe vehicle.
 37. The vehicle test and restraint system as recited inclaim 7, wherein the left and right vehicle restraining jigs extendrearwards in an inside space of the vehicle, respectively, from thefirst ends of the left and right vehicle restraining jigs, and furtherextend out of the inside space of the vehicle, to the second ends at thetime of restraining the vehicle.